BMW Boosts i3's Range to 153 Miles
BMW's 2019 i3 battery-electric hatchback increases its battery capacity by 30%, which translates to a range of 153 miles that's a 25% increase from the 114-mile range of the outgoing model.
BMW's 2019 i3 will come with an improved battery that adds 39 miles of range.
Photo courtesy of BMW.
BMW's 2019 i3 battery-electric hatchback increases its battery capacity by 30%, which translates to a range of 153 miles that's a 25% increase from the 114-mile range of the outgoing model.
The larger lithium-ion battery pack is available with the standard i3 and sportier i3s models. The 2019 BMW i3 is equipped with a 42.2-killowatt-per-hour battery (120 amp-hours) that replaces the previous 94-Ah battery. BMW introduced the i3 as a 2104 model with a 60-Ah battery.
BMW will offer the standard rear-wheel-drive i3 with a 170-horsepower electric motor, while the i3s gets a 181-hp electric motor.
BMW will contiinue to offer the i3 with a range-extending gasoline engine. The company didn't provide details on that model's expected range other than to say it would be "similarly improved." The current model adds 66 miles of range.
Production begins in November, and BMW hasn't announced when the vehicle will go on sale.
More Vehicle Research
Crash Tests, Catalytic Converter Theft & Fleet Safety | AF News Recap
A stolen catalytic converter can cost a fleet far more than the replacement part. This week, we're exploring how to reduce theft-related risk, what fleet managers learned from live IIHS crash testing, the 2027 Jeep Compass's new safety features, and why supporting original industry reporting matters.
Read More →
2027 Jeep Compass Adds Standard Driver-Assistance Features, Starts at $31,985
The 2027 Jeep Compass adds standard adaptive cruise control across the lineup, along with additional technology and equipment options on select trims.
Read More →
2027 Subaru Outback Adds Base Trim, Lowers Pricing Across Lineup
The 2027 Outback starts at $32,995, with price reductions on several trims and expanded availability of hands-free driver-assistance technology.
Read More →
2027 Toyota Camry Offers Hybrid Powertrain Across Five Grades
The 2027 Toyota Camry is a carryover with new pricing.
Read More →
Chevrolet Updates 2027 Trax and Trailblazer with More Standard Safety Features
Chevrolet is updating two of its smallest SUVs with added driver-assistance technology, redesigned interiors, and revised trim options. The changes could add more safety equipment as standard for commercial fleets, while a new Trailblazer configuration adds another all-wheel-drive option.
Read More →
Commercial Fleet Sales Rise 5.8% Through September 2026
September commercial fleet sales were essentially unchanged from a year earlier, slowing year-to-date growth while keeping volume ahead of 2025.
Read More →
Hall of Fame Inductee: John Dmochowsky
The longtime Mondelēz International fleet executive joins the Automotive Fleet Hall of Fame.
Read More →
Hall of Fame Inductee: Lee Miller
After more than four decades at Boehringer Ingelheim, Lee Miller leaves a legacy built on fleet expertise.
Read More →
Hall of Fame Inductee: Mark F. Petersen
From managing fleets of thousands of vehicles to advancing safety and mentoring fellow professionals, Mark F. Petersen made his mark across both the corporate and supplier sides of fleet.
Read More →
When Charger Downtime Becomes a Fleet Availability Problem
As EV deployments move beyond pilot programs, charger reliability can directly affect vehicle readiness, driver productivity and route scheduling.
Read More →